A wearable non-invasive sonogenetic pacemaker

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Cardiovascular Research
• Sonogenetics

Background:

• Traditional cardiac pacemakers are invasive, posing risks and complications.
• A need exists for safer, non-invasive cardiac pacing solutions.
• Sonogenetics offers a novel approach to remotely control cellular activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a wearable non-invasive ultrasound pacemaker (NUP).
• To assess the NUP's ability to achieve precise, spatiotemporally controlled cardiac pacing.
• To validate the safety and translational potential of the NUP technology.

Main Methods:

• Engineered sonogenetic ion channels (MscL-G22S) were used to modulate cardiomyocytes.
• In vitro studies on human cardiomyocytes assessed responses to ultrasound stimulation.
• In vivo experiments in rats evaluated pacing precision, frequency control, and long-term safety; ex vivo porcine models assessed human-scale feasibility.

Main Results:

• In vitro studies showed synchronized calcium signaling and controlled responses in cardiomyocytes.
• In vivo studies demonstrated non-invasive cardiac pacing with sub-millimeter spatial precision and frequency control up to 9 Hz in rats.
• The NUP successfully restored sinus rhythm in arrhythmic models and showed long-term safety over 8 months.

Conclusions:

• The wearable non-invasive ultrasound pacemaker (NUP) provides a safe and effective method for cardiac pacing.
• NUP technology demonstrates high spatial and frequency control, restoring normal heart rhythm.
• The NUP presents a promising, adaptable, and less invasive solution for cardiac rhythm management.